The Collins Council Report: A Council Period 26 Rules Change and the Scramble to Save Government-Funded Programs

July 2, 2025

of the News Article The D.C. Council is preparing for its first vote on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget on July 14, just one day before Ward 8's special election following Trayon White's expulsion. In their recent meeting, the Council approved several pieces of legislation including the Peace D.C. initiative, a ban on in-school smartphone use, and emergency juvenile curfew measures proposed by Councilmember Brooke Pinto and Mayor Muriel Bowser. Additionally, the Council considered but ultimately modified a controversial rule change initially proposed by Chairman Phil Mendelson that would have impacted the potential return of expelled council members, with Mendelson denying any intent to influence the upcoming Ward 8 election.

Who is affected

Ward 8 residents who will vote in the special election
D.C. youth subject to the new juvenile curfew zones
Students affected by the in-school smartphone ban
D.C. public charter school board members requiring training
Former council member Trayon White, whose potential return would be impacted by rule changes
Recipients of programs funded through the budget including DCTAG and early childhood educators

What action is being taken

The D.C. Council is conducting its first vote on the FY2026 budget on July 14
Council committees are recommending changes to Mayor Bowser's budget proposal
The Council approved Peace D.C. legislation and residential tranquility measures
The Council approved emergency legislation authorizing juvenile curfew zones
The Council approved the federal portion of its budget for various programs and agencies
Council rules are being amended through the Council Period 26 Recess Rules Amendment Resolution of 2025

Why it matters

The budget decisions will impact funding for critical services and programs throughout D.C.
The juvenile curfew zones will affect how youth mobility is regulated in certain areas
The rule changes regarding expelled council members could influence the democratic process in Ward 8
The approved legislation on smartphones and charter school board training will change educational policies
The Peace D.C. initiative addresses concerns about policing, incarceration, and pretrial detention
The timing of these actions coincides with a special election that will determine Ward 8's representation

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the scheduled budget vote on July 14 and the Ward 8 special election on July 15.

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer